The next team up for our overview and record projection is the Boston Bruins. This off-season the Bruins had a scare of losing Patrice Bergeron, the best defensive center in the league to retirement and David Pastrnak via a trade request. They luckily managed to hang onto both of them and bring back David Krejci, but in the mean time are going to be without Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy for about half the season. These two losses are going to be a major detriment to the B's. Marchand is their best player. He is used in every situation and is the heart and soul of that Bruins team. Losing McAvoy is also going to be a big issue for the Bruins. McAvoy has become a top defenseman in the league and is another player that Boston uses in every situation. Losing him will be a big blow for a team whose number 1 defenseman is now Hampus Lindholm. The B's went out and traded for Pavel Zacha from the Devils who has struggled to score consistently in the league, but has the potential to blossom into a strong second line/second power play guy. The Bruins did not lose anyone this offseason besides Curtis Lazar who was a rotational 4th line guy who they are replacing with Tomas Nosek. The goalie situation in Boston is very ideal for them. Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman are a top 5 goalie tandem in the league and are a pair that you would want in net especially when you are down your top defenseman and forward for half the season. For the Bruins to find success before their studs come back, they need to get production out of players like Taylor Hall, Pavel Zacha, David Krejci, and Jake DeBrusk. They know what they are getting from Bergeron and Pastrnak production-wise, but if they can get their top 6 firing, then the Bruins should be able to find success and ride into the playoffs on a wave of momentum. Boston has one of the deeper rosters in the league and have for years now, this year they have a new coach at the helm, Jim Montgomery, who came over from the Stars. Montgomery lead the Stars to the Stanley Cup only a few years ago. The B's needed a new front office and a head coach. Bruce Cassidy is a great coach, but was unable to generate any success with the talent on this roster. That being said, I think the Bruins are going to benefit from the change around them and have a great year. The Bruins are going to make a "Last Dance-esque" playoff run amid the looming questions for next year.
Projected Record- 46-29-7
Playoff Prediction- Yes
Komentarze